Ohio Dairy recalls chocolate milk due to improper pasteurization

• Date Issued: March 26, 2025
• Company: Old Country Creamery
• Product: Whole Chocolate Milk
• Issue: Improper pasteurization
• Product Details: Pints, quarts, half-gallons, and gallons with code dates 04/06/25 and 04/13/25
• Action: Consumers should return the product for a refund

Stick around to find out more about this recall and how it impacts the dairy industry!

What happened?

Old Country Creamery, a Middlefield, OH-based dairy, has issued a recall of its whole chocolate milk due to improper pasteurization. The recall was announced on March 26, 2025, after the Ohio Department of Agriculture discovered the issue during a regulatory review of pasteurization records. The affected product includes pints, quarts, half-gallons, and gallons of whole chocolate milk with code dates of 04/06/25 and 04/13/25. These products were distributed to 15 stores within a 25-mile radius of Middlefield, OH.

Product details

Brand	Product	Sizes	UPC	Best By Date
Old Country Creamery	Whole Chocolate Milk	Pints, quarts, half-gallons, gallons	N/A	04/06/25 & 04/13/25

What caused the issue?

The problem? Improper pasteurization. Without proper pasteurization, harmful bacteria can survive in milk, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Why is proper pasteurization important?

Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process that kills harmful bacteria in dairy products. When this process is not done correctly, bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella can remain in the milk and pose a serious health risk.

Potential health risks of improperly pasteurized milk

• Exposure to harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.
• Severe infections in at-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Symptoms of infection can include:
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • In severe cases, complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur.

10 common questions you might have

1. What does “improper pasteurization” mean?
   • It means the milk was not heated to the required temperature long enough to kill harmful bacteria.
2. Is this the same as raw milk?
   • No, but improperly pasteurized milk can carry similar risks as raw milk.
3. What bacteria can be found in improperly pasteurized milk?
   • Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and more.
4. Who is at the highest risk?
   • Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
5. How do I know if I have symptoms from consuming this milk?
   • Look for nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever within hours to a few days after consumption.
6. Can I boil the milk to make it safe?
   • No. Boiling does not guarantee safety if the milk was already contaminated. It’s best to discard it.
7. What should I do if I drank the milk?
   • Monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
8. Has anyone gotten sick from this recall?
   • No illnesses have been reported as of now.
9. Where can I return the recalled milk?
   • Return it to the store where you purchased it for a refund.
10. How can I ensure my dairy products are safe in the future?
    • Always check for recalls and choose products from reputable brands that follow strict pasteurization standards.

Here’s what you should do

If you purchased this chocolate milk, take the following steps:

• Check your fridge: Look for the code dates 04/06/25 and 04/13/25 on the label.
• Do not consume: Even if it looks and smells fine, consuming improperly pasteurized milk can be risky.
• Return for a refund: Bring the affected product back to the place of purchase.
• Contact for more info: Reach out to Old Country Creamery for further details.

Behind the brand

Old Country Creamery produces farm-fresh milk and dairy products as a regional dairy brand. While this is their first major recall, the industry has reported similar issues.

• On February 4, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a recall for unpasteurized, raw milk from Willow Marsh Farm in New York after finding out it was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
• On January 17, 2025, Nature View Dairy issued a recall for its bottled raw milk after two confirmed cases of Campylobacter infections were linked to the product.

“Food safety should always be the top priority in the dairy industry. While some consumers seek out raw or minimally processed milk, the risks associated with improper pasteurization—such as exposure to harmful bacteria like Listeria—cannot be ignored. Dairy producers must uphold strict safety protocols to protect public health and maintain consumer trust. Transparency, rigorous pasteurization practices, and proper handling are essential to ensuring that dairy products are both safe and high quality.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the importance of food safety in dairy production. Proper pasteurization is critical to eliminating harmful bacteria and ensuring consumer safety.

• Enhance quality control measures to prevent issues before products hit the shelves.
• Strictly monitor pasteurization records and conduct regular regulatory checks.
• Educate consumers on the risks of raw milk and improper food storage.

What should you do?

• Always check recall alerts before purchasing perishable goods.
• Choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce health risks.
• Store milk at 40°F or below to slow bacterial growth.

At Source86, we stay on top of food safety trends so you don’t have to. Need high-quality, safe dairy ingredients for your business? Let’s talk!